Table of contents for 16-Apr-2026 in Horse & Hound

TOP-level dressage tests could be rewritten to include stretching, and the FEI is crunching the data before a decision on allowing snaffle bridles for all grand prix tests. FEI dressage director Ronan Murphy told the FEI sports forum (30 to 31 March) that a working group has looked at the tests, with a focus on whether movements that “demonstrate suppleness, balance, self-carriage” and “underline the principles of the scale of training at all levels” should be introduced. Raphael Saleh, president of the ground jury at Paris 2024 and a member of the working group, said the FEI is considering new movements at grand prix – stretching on a long rein in trot and giving and retaking the rein. Mr Murphy said: “Traditionally, we’ve had some of these movements in lowerlevel…

THIS Shetland pony was an active Pony Club member with his seven-year-old owner until clinical onset of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, equine Cushing’s disease) at the age of 23 years. Rather than showing signs of typical laminitis in his front feet he became lethargic and foot-sore in all four feet. As he had other typical symptoms of Cushing’s disease, including a very thick coat, his resting plasma ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) was measured from a blood sample and confirmed the suspected diagnosis of PPID. He began a course of pergolide in feed, and his weight and diet were managed carefully as before. After a month of box rest followed by quiet paddock rest he became more comfortable. He is maintained on one tablet of pergolide per day and has returned…

AS unequivocal evidence shows, our planet is heating up. Extreme weather is increasingly common and conditions during horse sport events are likely to impose mounting challenges on participants. What should the competitive rider do? Adapting to the new normal and bringing competition horse care in line with environmental obstacles will be the way to ensure the welfare of equine athletes. New South Wales, Australia, experienced an area-average mean temperature of 26.2°C in summer 2025. For context, similar information from the UK recorded 16.1°C – the country’s warmest summer on record. The UK is far from reaching such temperature extremes consistently, but can nonetheless learn lessons from horse sport in Australia, where competition continues through these warm months. Although eventing kicks off as the country heads into autumn, event rider Shane…

TEENAGER Conor Stone-Walsh would dream he was sailing to glory over Aintree’s spruce fences as a child. The 19-year-old rising star, who started his career on the Flat for trainer Joseph O’Brien, brought that dream to life with a foot-perfect spin over the iconic fences to win the Randox Topham Chase aboard Will The Wise (pictured, right) for his boss, Gavin Cromwell. “As kids, we made Grand National jumps for our ponies, and it’s massive to get a win over these fences,” said a jubilant Stone-Walsh, who also scored his first Cheltenham Festival winner this year. “I grew up hunting with the Killinick Harriers, Pony Clubbing and point-to-pointing, and I’ve always wanted to ride at these big meetings.” ONE TO WATCH…

“TRICKY” GELDING DELIGHTS HIS FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS A CHANGE of tactics with “tricky customer” Home By The Lee (pictured above, leading) have paid dividends this spring, as the talented 11-year-old bay gelding delighted his faithful followers by backing up his Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham win with JET2 Liverpool Hurdle honours. Trainer Joseph O’Brien explained the new approach they have taken. “We had a plan that JJ [Slevin, jockey] would inject some pace down the back straight with a circuit to go and then whoever would beat him would outstay him. But he outstayed everyone at Cheltenham and he outstayed everyone today. “We got it wrong here before today. Everyone said that the track here didn’t suit him, but we were happy to take the blame for the two trips here before.”…

FFION ROBERTS had a rewarding championships with her eight-year-old mare Megalulu, winning the Equiyd Ruby final and finishing runner-up in the Joshua Jones UK winter discovery. The Balou Du Rouet x Quick Star mare (pictured) has been low mileage over the past couple of years as Ffion broke her leg badly in a freak accident while riding her across a mountain road near home in 2024. “I bought her two years ago but within three months I had the accident,” Ffion said. “She slipped and lost her balance and I ended up with a knee to ankle spiral break and had to spend a week in hospital. I had it plated and screwed back together and it’s been a long recovery with lots of physio and rehab. “My brother hacked…

AT just nine years old, Conor Barnes warded off some very close competition to take the IG Equine winter novice final with the six-year-old Connemara Errismore Dark Shadow (pictured, above). He went nearly eight seconds into the lead from third-to-go of 27 jump-off contenders, and while Jessica Swait (Whitethorn Dream On) got within 0.13sec of his time, with Lucy Bennison (Buddy Elf) just 0.03sec behind her, they couldn’t quite catch him. “We’re chuffed to bits,” said his father, well-known horse dealer Steven. “I said if he jumps double clear and gets a rosette, he’ll be going well. But he went round in a lovely collected canter rhythm, kept his turns tight and won it from the canter.” Steven bought the pony, who is by Silver Shadow out of a I…

MILLAR BENNION, aged six, booked his first ever pass to Hickstead in the Pretty Polly mountain and moorland (M&M) lead-rein qualifier with the Welsh section A gelding Glebedale Silver Dot (Socks). A previous RIHS winner and British Show Pony Society (BSPS) novice supreme at the winter championships, eight-year-old Socks was purchased mid-season last year and made his way to the Bennions after HOYS. Millar will join his mother Amy – who led them to win here – at RIHS, as she has already qualified her cob Hortons Valentine for the amateur cob final, where they finished second last year. “This is Millar’s first season competing in affiliated classes and only his third show with Socks,” said Amy. “We will be on a mission to gain our open M&M lead-rein ticket…

TEAM CHASING ROUND-UP 22 March–12 April Bicester with Whaddon Chase, Newton Morrell, Oxon THE Bicester with Whaddon Chase kicked off the spring team chasing season in fine style, a week of good weather and a phenomenal amount of work by the organisers defying predictions that it would be lost to the wet winter. Newton Morrell’s substantial blackthorns and fiendish twists and turns make it a track to be respected. The open course contains no fewer than five corners and switchbacks in about 200m of hedgeline, and here The Wishful Thinkers were on top form. Joe Neal and Henry led them on the tightest of lines through these turns, with Rupert Onslow recovering quickly from a glance-off at Clarkie’s Corner. Benny Nott (Duca De Thaix) and Rowan Cope (Fact Of The…

THE Government is to engage with the equestrian sector and landowners as it sets out long-term plans for managing England’s “finite land”. Defra has published “England’s first ever land use framework” setting out plans to 2050. This follows a public consultation in January 2025, and states the Government’s aims of “delivering new homes, nature restoration, clean energy and food security”. As well as “helping to accelerate delivery of the Government’s promise of 1.5 million new homes”, Defra has pledged to “give more rights and greater certainty to tenant farmers”, and set out its plans for access and recreation, as “we remain committed to making more of England safe and accessible to the public”. “We recognise equine land’s role” DEFRA “A large area of land in England is managed primarily for…

POLICE horse Silver (pictured, above left) is trusted with one of the most important jobs at the Grand National. The 18-year-old gelding, who serves with Merseyside Police, marked a special milestone this year when he escorted the winner of the Aintree showpiece for a 10th time. The moment was even more special given that Silver was rushed to veterinary hospital in August last year for emergency colic surgery. The team at the University of Liverpool’s Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital found that a lipoma was causing the issue. He has since made a complete recovery, thanks to expert care and “endless cuddles”, and is now back working on full duties. AGAINST THE ODDS “We’re all convinced he thought the crowd was there just for him!” said a police spokesperson.…

ZEN ELITE FEI WORLD CUP FINALS 8–11 April Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas, USA FOR Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, was a week of firsts. Their first World Cup Final. Their first time flying to a competition. And, by the end of Saturday night at the vast Dickies Arena, first in both the grand prix qualifier (the first of two tests) and the freestyle – the latter with a new personal best of 88.33%. Several leading combinations, including defending champion Lottie Fry, had chosen not to make the intercontinental trip, with eyes already turning to this summer’s World Championships in Aachen. That handed Becky and Jagerbomb the role of pre-competition favourites – a billing they met with aplomb, winning…

REIGNING European Champion Richard Vogel is best known for his partnership with the outstanding United Touch S, but with that stallion being aimed at the World Championships, Richard brought a hugely exciting relatively new recruit to Texas, the 10-year-old Gangster Montdesir (Kannan x Cornet Obolensky; pictured, above). The pair finished ninth overall, concluding the competition by jumping one of only three double clears on Sunday. But on Friday, the pair spectacularly misjudged the final fence, Richard clinging on just long enough to pass through the finish line before hitting the deck. “I’ve ridden him terribly this week,” the German rider confessed. “I didn’t give him a chance to show all his potential and talent. I’m very disappointed with myself. Thank God ‘Gangster’ is good.” Reporting both he and Gangster to…

HIGHLIGHTS 23 March–5 April Myerscough College High Profile Show, Lancs SPORTING a new double bridle combination for the first time, Emma Jablonski’s Higgens Van De Uilenhoek (Hugo) claimed a 67.54% grand prix win and secured a qualifying international score. “We’ve taken things slowly with Hugo, and he has spent a lot of time in the snaffle,” said Emma, who bought the Connaisseur gelding, now 14, from Holland as a just-backed youngster. “We’ve had a few weaknesses; we had to work on the pirouettes, and he was a bit panicky at first in the piaffe, but he’s been really cool, rising through the levels and doing well all the way up. “There are still a few mistakes to iron out, but he always tries to give me what I’m asking for…

Reaseheath College, Cheshire CHARLOTTE RUSTIGE and Summerhouse Darsey nailed their PSG debut to secure a 69.41% bronze and overall win, at their first show since June last year. “He’s incredible,” said Charlotte of the 18-year-old Johnson gelding, who has returned to competition after being sidelined with a health issue. “It was quite a challenge to move up to him from ponies three years ago, as he has a very bouncy trot, but he’s been the perfect schoolmaster. “I’m off to university in September and wanted to do a PSG before then,” added Charlotte, who trains with Sue Bradshaw. “We scored an eight for a canter pirouette and 7.5s for both tempi changes – and a comment from the judge that it was a very competent test.” At prelim, Jackson Black…

HIGHLIGHTS 11–12 April Bedale, Hornby Castle, N Yorks THOMAS EASTERBY enjoyed a successful day in the saddle, partnering two winners – Largy Shark and Tag Man. His first success came in the conditions (level two) 5yo&up aboard Largy Shark, a nine-year-old gelding by Califet owned by William and Steph Easterby. Sent off the 1/2 favourite, the gelding recorded his third win for connections. Thomas was full of praise for the gelding, who impressed with both his jumping and cruising speed. “He never really came out of a canter,” he said. “He jumped superbly and is a horse we think quite a bit of.” Largy Shark prefers the better ground. “He’s thriving at this time of year,” Thomas said. “We’ll probably look towards a two-and-a-half-mile novice hunter chase now with a…

BARRIER ANIMAL HEALTH SPRING FESTIVAL FINALS 28–30 March and 4–6 April becky.murray@futurenet.com @murray_bex RESULTS England and Wales final at Addington: arena eventing 100cm ind. – 1, Quinella Z (A Veitch, Cumberland Farmers’ Hunt South); 2, Antares Pandora (E Hamilton, Mid Surrey); 3, Noble Ysera (S Moody, Essex Union). team. – 1, Pembrokeshire Hunt (R Luke, P Brown, J Molloy); 2, Bedale West of Yore (L Potter, A Lupton, I Tweddle); 3, Old Berkshire Hunt (S Starkey, C Behagg, G Garner). 90cm ind. – 1, Quinella Z; 2, Dino Royale (R Coulson, S Northumberland); 3, Rosscon Mr X Man (L Hathaway, Ludlow Hunt). team. – 1, Tiverton Hunt (K Heal, R Emmett, J Saunders); 2, Pembrokeshire Hunt (R Luke, P Brown, J Molloy); 3, Old Berkshire Hunt (S Starkey, E Manners,…

Fernie, Tur Langton, Leics ON a wild and windy day, the Fernie’s deceptive course with its inviting hedges that twist and turn over undulating land took plenty of prisoners. Team Ride Away I posted a fluent round to take the final open qualifier for the national championships, with only a couple of hairy moments in the pen disturbing their rhythm. The big hedges showcased their powerful jumping, and Charlotte Alexander, Joe Stevenson and Susannah Stanning finished upsides, with Sophie Sheppard fulfilling her usual effective anchorman role. “It’s a more technical course than most people realise,” reflected Susannah. “Charlotte and Saphy give us a brilliant lead, and while it felt like we could have gone a bit quicker, you have to respect the track.” Beaufort Boozers came closest to the winners,…

I AM MAXIMUS emulated the great Red Rum in becoming the first horse to regain the Randox Grand National for almost half a century. The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old carried top weight of 11st 12lb and led home a dominant hand for JP McManus, who owned three of the first four horses over the finish line. “It’s a privilege to have anything to do with this horse” PAUL TOWNEND The Authorized son, who shares a sire with fellow dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll, previously won the Aintree showpiece in 2024. Jockey Paul Townend was in the saddle for both victories. “He has such an engine,” said Paul. “It’s a privilege to have anything to do with him, what a horse.” Mr Mullins had nine potential contenders in the race –…

EQUESTRIANS have been reminded of the importance of understanding how much weight they can legally tow after a social media post highlighted the fact some misinterpret requirements. Last month a police force shared a post about trailer towing weights, including an example of how to calculate how much a vehicle can tow. The post generated much discussion, some agreeing with it and others arguing it was incorrect. The post was later removed and the force confirmed to H&H that officers had been given the incorrect information when it was published. A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency spokesperson told H&H every driver has responsibility for their own and other road users’ safety. “This includes ensuring your vehicle, and what is being towed, is operated within its designed weight limit – and…

“THIS is our chance to make a difference” as there is one week to be heard on movement of horses and germinal products between the UK and EU. Defra has opened a “call for information” in relation to work on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU. This covers trade and movement of animals, plants and their products. “Our ultimate hope is that conditions will return to what was in place pre-Brexit,” British Equestrian (BEF) CEO Jim Eyre said. H&H has reported on the delays and huge costs faced since Brexit in travelling horses to the Continent and importing germinal products, including semen. Mr Eyre said “current parameters for movements to and from the EU aren’t sustainable for our industry”. “Additional cost, time and barriers are a…

ON 21 April 2026, Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022) would have celebrated her 100th birthday. From toy horses in the nursery to her first Shetland pony, Peggy, The late Queen’s passion for equestrianism began almost as soon as she could walk. Throughout her 70-year reign, it was duty first, family second and horses a very close third. There is almost no equestrian sphere that did not enthral Her Majesty and her impact was felt far and wide, from Epsom to Badminton, from Cleveland Bays to Fells, from breeding her own private hacks to a European eventing champion and multiple Classic winners. Driven by her encyclopaedic knowledge of many aspects of the horse world, The Queen was never a stickler for tradition when it came to progress. Whether it was her fascination…

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL 9–11 April Randox Grand National Festival, Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside FOOLS are we who ever doubted I Am Maximus’s capacity for such greatness. The partnership between trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Paul Townend and this brave, quirky horse, is a recipe for alchemy in the most famous race of all. Two Grand National wins, the first horse to regain the title since Red Rum nearly 50 years ago and a runner-up spot in between. Has any horse ever lived up to his name so completely? “He will gallop to the end of the world for you,” said winning jockey Paul Townend. “I can’t do the feeling justice. How lucky I am to be riding these horses. It’s not lost on me. “I grew up with jockeys as my…

AT just 23, Christian Simonson was one of the youngest riders in Fort Worth – and, with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, established himself as the leading American contender on home soil. His partner, the 13-year-old stallion Indian Rock (Apache x Vivaldi), previously competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics for the Netherlands with Emmelie Scholtens before being sold to the US. He is owned by Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite – the World Cup’s title sponsor – who has invested heavily in bringing experienced European horses to American riders ahead of the Games. Among them are Bohemian, a European Championship silver-medallist under Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, and grand prix horses Lars Van De Hoenderheide and Helix. Not all of Zen Elite’s acquisitions have delivered on their promise, but…

BLUE CHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS 8–13 April Blue Chip Championships, Addington Equestrian, Bucks THE only rider who could best Mark Edwards in the Blue Chip grand prix was Mark Edwards himself — he set a rousing target from first-to-jump on Tinker’s Touch then outstripped his own lead from final draw with Dillinger NE. As well as taking £3,500 for the top two places, he also landed the £2,000 PRB Horseboxes bonus for any rider who finished in the top three in the previous night’s Blue Chip Pro open challenge trophy and went on to claim the big class. “I’ve been placed in this grand prix but never won it, so it’s a good one to tick off,” Mark said. “It’s their fourth show back [since October] and they are getting sharper each…

BLUE CHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS Youth finals PORTIA TAYLOR-WILSON made a winning debut at these championships, snatching victory from final draw in the Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA final on Lottea III. The pair, who were forward and tight everywhere, axed 1.35sec from Elle Hourihan’s lead with Harry, while Francesca Finneran was just 0.13sec slower to finish as the highest-placed JC aboard For Joy. Portia came to Addington to jump just the one class with Tanya Coward-Talbot’s 11-year-old mare, who she is riding until she is sold. “We’ve had the ride on her since October – she’s had some mega results, she’s a proper winner,” Portia’s mother Rebecca Clay remarked. “Portia loves her as she can spin her up to a fence and she’s really up for it.” “She’s a fun ride…

“HE’S stepping up and becoming everything I always knew he could be,” said Jessica McConkey of her 16-year-old gelding Wilson Stensvang, who enjoyed his time to shine with a 70.69% inter II gold win. “Wilson has always been in the background, but over the past few years, he has really come into his own,” said Jessica, who has ridden at the European Championships six times, from junior to under-25s. “I nearly sold him so many times, as so many people told me I should, but I’m glad I didn’t. He keeps surprising me.” “He’s very green at this level, but every time out, he gets better,” said Jessica, who credits her trainer, Andrew Gould, with the progress in both her riding and her confidence. “I didn’t quite get the feeling…

Silverton, Dunsmore, Devon JOSHUA NEWMAN enjoyed a standout afternoon by landing a treble, further strengthening his position near the top of both the jockey and trainer leaderboards. His first success came in the intermediate with Woodstock Octo, a six-year-old by Ocovango owned by John and Sonia Gardener, who extended his winning streak to five. “He’s kept his condition really well and is as fresh now as he’s been all season,” Joshua said. “As long as he stays that way, we’ll keep running him while the ground suits.” The double followed in the mixed open aboard Al Gasparo, a progressive seven-year-old by Al Namix, who made it four consecutive victories. “He can be keen and does things his own way, but he has plenty of ability. It turned into a bit…